Resolution could alter overtime pay

Millions of Americans are paid hourly for their jobs. Current labor law mandates employers who require employees to work more than 40 hours a week be paid time and a half their hourly rate.

Now the U.S. House of Representatives want to change that.

They passed a resolution Wednesday that would alter overtime pay for hourly workers across the country. The resolution allows employers to offer paid time off instead of time and half.

Rocco Ruggiero works in finance and doesn't like the idea.

“I would rather have the cash in my pocket in the form of time and half, than (Paid Time Off) PTO that I may or may not be able to use,” Ruggiero said. “I know a lot of employees get enough PTO that they can’t even use.”

The vote passed the House of Representatives along party lines, without any support from Democrats. Ruggiero says he’s not convinced workers will fully be compensated for time they work.

“I mean, you’re potentially giving yet another break for corporations in this case and hurting your average person,” Ruggiero said.

For now, he and other hourly workers will have to wait and see what lawmakers decide to do.